<
>

Biggest offseason questions, priorities for every NBA team

Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

The 2022 NBA offseason is almost here, and all 30 teams will face a bevy of difficult decisions.

Every roster is bound to look a little different next year, and the decisions made by each front office will dictate the outcome of next season and beyond.

Some contending teams, like the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics, will be able to have any easy time keeping the core of their roster together going into next season, while other postseason hopefuls, like the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers, will have some tough choices to make regarding the contracts of their veteran stars.

Some teams, like the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers, will be looking to improve their postseason chances next year but will need to make some significant roster changes to get there.

Here's a look at the biggest offseason priorities and concerns each front office faces heading into the draft and free agency.


ATLANTA HAWKS

Offseason focus

  • What is the Hawks' appetite for paying the luxury tax? Atlanta can go under but at the expense of Danilo Gallinari. Does the front office have the authority to use the $6.3 million tax mid-level exception?

  • The rookie extension of De'Andre Hunter: cap relief in 2023-24 (year one of the extension) when Gallinari is off the books

  • Defensive-minded free agents to surround Trae Young

Draft assets

  • First: No. 16

  • Second: No. 44

  • Future: The Hawks own all of their future first-round picks. They have a 2023 first from Charlotte (top-16 protected). The pick is lottery-protected in 2024 and 2025 if not conveyed. It will turn into a 2026 and 2027 Charlotte second if not received.

Cash: $4.9 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Atlanta will enter the offseason $7.8 million over the luxury tax if they retain Gallinari. The forward has $5 million guaranteed with the remaining balance of $16.5 million fully protected if he is not waived by June 29. If Gallinari is waived, Atlanta will have the $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exceptions. If he is on the roster, the exception decreases to $6.4 million. The Hawks also have $1.7 and $1.8 million trade exceptions.

Bogdan Bogdanovic has a 15% trade bonus in his contract that has a value of $2.7 million.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Defensive-minded backup point guard

  • Frontcourt depth behind John Collins

  • Wing defender off the bench

Extension-eligible: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and DeAndre Hunter (rookie)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Hawks offseason guide


BOSTON CELTICS

Offseason focus

  • The Jaylen Brown extension options: three years, $119 million is the max allowed

  • The Al Horford expiring contract: Boston becomes a tax team with Horford on the roster

  • The rookie extension options for Grant Williams

  • Does Boston have the green light to use their exceptions? (Boston could have a $6.4 million tax midlevel and $17.2, $9.7, $6.9 and $3.8 million trade exceptions).

Draft assets

  • Second: No. 53

  • Future: Boston is allowed to trade a 2023 first starting the night of the draft. The Spurs have the right to swap firsts in 2028 (top-1 protected).

  • Cash: $0 (to send) | $5.7 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Boston has $156.4 million in salary and can duck under the $149 million luxury tax. To do so, the Celtics would need to waive Horford. The veteran has a $26.5 million salary for 2022-23, but only $14.5 million is guaranteed. If the Celtics stay over the tax, they will then have the $6.4 million tax midlevel.

The Celtics have four players who have either a team option or an offseason guaranteed date. If the $1.6 million team option of Sam Hauser is exercised, $300K of his contract would be guaranteed. Nik Stauskas' $2.2 million contract becomes guaranteed if he is on the roster past July 15. Malik Fitts will receive $50K if he is on the roster past September. There is no guaranteed date in the $1.8 million contract of Juwan Morgan.

Jayson Tatum has a 15% trade bonus that would get voided. Marcus Smart has a trade bonus of less than $1 million and 15% of his total salary. If Smart is traded in the offseason, he would get $1 million.

Boston has four trade exceptions worth more than $3.8 million ($17.2, $9.7, $6.9 and $3.8 million)

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Scoring wing off the bench

  • Playmaking backup point guard

  • Frontcourt depth

Extension eligible: Jaylen Brown (as of Oct. 1), Horford and Grant Williams (rookie)

Free-agent status


BROOKLYN NETS

Offseason focus

  • The Kyrie Irving contract: He is eligible for a five-year, $248 million contract (if he declines his player option)

  • The extensions: Ben Simmons and Seth Curry

  • The resources to retool the bench: trade exceptions, a $6.4 million tax midlevel and their own free agents. Does the front office have the authority to spend?

Draft assets

  • First: None

  • Future: Brooklyn has an unprotected 2023 first from Philadelphia. It also has a 2027 or 2028 top-eight-protected first from the 76ers. The pick is conditional upon Philadelphia sending Oklahoma City a first in either 2025 or 2026. The Nets owe Houston unprotected first-round picks in 2022, 2024 and 2026. The Rockets have the right to swap firsts in 2023, 2025 and 2027. The Nets are allowed to trade either pick from Philadelphia along with their 2028 first.

  • Cash: $0 (to send) | $3.7 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Including the $36.9 million player option of Irving, Brooklyn has $158 million in guaranteed contracts and is projected to be over the luxury tax. Because the Nets are in the tax, they will have a $6.4 million tax midlevel exception.

Irving and Patty Mills both have until June 29 to opt in to their contracts. Brooklyn has until June 29 to exercise the $1.6 million contract of Kessler Edwards.

Brooklyn has five trade exceptions: $11.3, $6.3, $3.3, $1.7 and $1.3 million.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Rim protector at center and frontcourt depth

  • Backup point guard if Mills becomes a free agent

  • A healthy Joe Harris and Simmons

  • Wing defender

  • Depth at power forward and center

Extension eligible: Irving, Curry, (as of Aug. 11), Simmons (as of Aug. 11) and Joe Harris

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Nets offseason guide


CHARLOTTE HORNETS

Offseason focus

  • The draft: Two picks in the top 15

  • The restricted free agency of Miles Bridges

  • Can the current roster become more than a play-in contender? The Hornets are currently over the cap with 11 players under contract.

  • The extension options for P.J. Washington

  • How to upgrade at center? Is their lottery pick expendable?

Draft assets

  • First: No. 13, No. 15

  • Second: No. 45

  • Future: The Hornets owe Atlanta a top-16-protected first in 2023. The pick is top-14 protected in 2024 and 2025. If not conveyed in any of the three seasons, the Hornets will send a 2026 and 2027 second to Atlanta.

  • Cash: $5.6 million (to send) | $3.6 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Hornets have $100 million in guaranteed contracts but are over the $122 million salary cap because of the free-agent hold of Bridges, two first-round picks and $15.6 million in partially guaranteed contracts.

Charlotte has four players -- Kelly Oubre Jr., Mason Plumlee, Jalen McDaniels and Nick Richards -- who have partially guaranteed contracts with trigger dates. The $8.5 million contract ($4.3 million is guaranteed) of Plumlee becomes guaranteed on June 21. The $12 million contract of Oubre ($5 million of protection) becomes fully guaranteed if he is not waived by June 30. Richards' $1.8 million contract becomes guaranteed on July 7. If the team option for McDaniels is exercised, his $1.9 million contract will become guaranteed on Aug. 1.

Charlotte has a $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exceptions.

Gordon Hayward has a 15% trade bonus. He would receive $9.2 million if traded in the offseason.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Rim protector at center and frontcourt depth

  • James Bouknight to develop into a rotational player

  • Backup point guard

Extension-eligible: Washington (rookie), McDaniels, Hayward, Plumlee and Richards

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Hornets offseason guide


CHICAGO BULLS

Offseason focus

  • The upside of the roster when healthy? Chicago went 27-13 before Lonzo Ball's injury.

  • The free agency of Zach LaVine: The All-Star is eligible for a five-year, $212 million max contract

  • The extension options for Nikola Vucevic and Coby White

Draft assets

  • First: No. 18

  • Future: The Bulls owe Orlando a top-four-protected first in 2023. It is top-three protected in 2024. Chicago will send San Antonio a top-10-protected first in 2025 if the pick to Orlando is conveyed in 2023. If the first to the Magic is not sent, Chicago would then send San Antonio a top-10-protected first in 2026, but only if the Magic receive a first in 2024. If the conditions were already settled in the prior season, the pick is top-eight protected. If the pick was not conveyed in 2025 and 2026, the Bulls would send a top-eight-protected first in 2026, 2027 or 2028. They have a lottery-protected first from Portland over the next six seasons. They can trade their 2022 first on the night of the draft and are allowed to trade the Trail Blazers' first in a future deal.

  • Cash: $4.6 million (to send) | $4.7 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Chicago has $103 million in salary but is over the cap because of the $29.3 million free-agent hold of LaVine. If he signs a max contract starting at $36.6 million, Chicago would be $8 million below the luxury tax.

Tony Bradley has a $2 million player option that must be exercised by June 29.

Chicago has the $10.3 million midlevel exception but would go into the tax and trigger the hard cap if more than $6.4 million is used.

It will have the $6.4 million tax midlevel exception if LaVine returns.

The $5 million trade exception from the Daniel Theis sign-and-trade expires on July 7.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • A healthy Ball

  • LaVine in a Bulls uniform when training camp starts

  • Depth at power forward and center

Extension-eligible: Vucevic and White (rookie)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Bulls offseason guide


CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Offseason focus

  • The restricted free agency of Collin Sexton: Does he fit long term, and what is the cost?

  • The rookie extension of Darius Garland: Is he max-worthy?

  • Should Cleveland explore extensions with Caris LeVert and Kevin Love, or prioritize cap flexibility in 2023?

Draft assets

  • First: No. 14

  • Second: No. 39, No. 56

  • Future: Cleveland owes Indiana a top-14-protected first in 2023.

  • Cash: $5.8 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Cleveland has $127.7 million in contracts ($3.7 million are non-guaranteed) and will be close to the $149 million luxury tax if restricted free agent Collin Sexton is brought back.

There is no guaranteed date on the $1.8 million contract of Lamar Stevens. Dean Wade has a $1.9 million team option. The contract is not guaranteed if the option is exercised. If the option is declined, Wade will become a free agent.

The Cavs' midlevel exception ($10.3 or $6.4 million) is dependent on the decision to bring back Sexton.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • 3-and-D wing

  • Backup veteran point guard

  • Bench scoring and backup center

Extension-eligible: Garland (rookie), Kevin Love, LeVert (as of Aug. 8) and Dylan Windler (rookie)

Note: LeVert is extension-eligible starting on July 1 but is restricted in contract length and percentage increase. The restriction is lifted Aug. 8.

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Cavaliers offseason guide


DALLAS MAVERICKS

Offseason focus

  • Jalen Brunson's free agency. Should Dallas draw a line in the sand on the cost?

  • The comfort level of the luxury tax: Dallas is $3 million over the threshold.

  • Roster resources: $10.9 million trade exception, $6.3 million tax midlevel and Brunson to improve the roster.

Draft assets

  • First: No. 26

  • Future: The Mavericks owe New York a top-10-protected first in 2023, 2024 or 2025. The earliest Dallas can trade a first is two years after the pick to New York is conveyed. The Mavericks are allowed to trade the rights to their first in 2022 on the night of the draft.

  • Cash: $5.8 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Dallas has $154.1 million in salary and is $5.1 million over the luxury tax. Because the Mavericks are a tax team, they will have the $6.4 million tax midlevel. They also have a $10.9 million trade exception that expires June 27.

The $9.2 million contract of Maxi Kleber and $2 million salary of Frank Ntilikina are non-guaranteed. Kleber's contract is guaranteed if he is not waived by July 3 and Ntilikina by July 4.

Trey Burke has a $3.3 million player option that must be exercised by June 29.

Dorian Finney-Smith has a trade restriction that will get lifted Aug. 12.

Reggie Bullock and Finney-Smith have a 5% trade bonus. Burke has a 7.5% trade bonus.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Rim protector at center

  • Backcourt depth

  • Scoring wing

Extension eligible: Kleber, Burke and Dwight Powell

Free-agent status

  • Trey Burke | Player | Early Bird

  • Jalen Brunson | Bird

  • Theo Pinson | Restricted | Non Bird

  • Moses Wright | Restricted | Non Bird


DENVER NUGGETS

Offseason focus

Draft assets

  • First: No. 21 and No. 30

  • Future: The Nuggets owe Oklahoma City a top-14-protected first in 2023, 2024 or 2025. They also owe Orlando a top-five-protected first two years after the pick to OKC is conveyed. From the JaMychal Green trade, the Nuggets will send Oklahoma City a protected first in 2027 if the first to Orlando is conveyed in 2025.

  • Cash: $5.6 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Denver will enter the offseason with $152.6 million in salary, $3.6 million over the projected tax threshold. This is the first time since 2009-10 that the Nuggets are a tax team. In doing so, Denver has the $6.4 million midlevel exception and also a $8.2 million trade exception.

Jeff Green has until June 20 to opt in to his contract for next season.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • A Healthy Murray and Porter

  • Depth at small forward and center

  • Bench scoring

Extension eligible: Jokic, Murray and Monte Morris (as of Sept. 30)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Nuggets offseason guide


DETROIT PISTONS

Offseason focus

  • The draft options with a top-four pick

  • Are Detroit's games post All-Star break a blueprint or fool's gold?

  • The future of Jerami Grant: extend or pursue a trade?

  • The direction with projected cap space: build the roster or asset retention?

Draft assets

  • First: No. 5

  • Second: No. 46

  • Future: The Pistons owe Oklahoma City a first that has protection from 2023 to 2027 (top 16 in 2022, top 18 in 2023 and 2024, top 13 in 2025 and top nine in 2027).

  • Cash: $5.8 million (to send) | $0 (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Pistons could have $26 million in room but at the loss of free agent Marvin Bagley III.

They also could create an additional $10 million if the team options of Hamidou Diallo, Frank Jackson and Luka Garza are declined. Detroit has until June 28 to exercise the options. The Pistons also have a team option for Carsen Edwards that must be exercised by June 29.

Cory Joseph has up until June 28 to opt in to his $5.3 million contract.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

Extension-eligible: Grant

Free-agent status

  • Cory Joseph | Player | Bird

  • Frank Jackson | Team | Early Bird

  • Rodney McGruder | Bird

  • Carsen Edwards | Restricted | Team | Non Bird

  • Marvin Bagley III | Restricted | Bird

  • Braxton Key | Restricted | Non Bird

  • Jamorko Pickett | Restricted | Non Bird

  • Luka Garza | Team | Restricted | Non Bird

  • Hamidou Diallo | Team | Bird

MORE: Complete Pistons offseason guide


GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Offseason focus

Draft assets

  • First: No. 28

  • Second: No. 51, No. 55

  • Future: Golden State owes Memphis a 2024 top-four-protected first (converts to top-one-protected in 2025 and unprotected in 2026).

  • Cash: $5.8 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Projected depth chart

Cap-space breakdown

For the sixth time in eight years, Golden State will be in the luxury tax.

Because the Warriors have been in the tax in four of the past five seasons (including in 2022-23), they are a repeater-tax team. Golden State will have the $6.4 million tax midlevel and veterans minimum exception to use in free agency.

Stephen Curry, Green and Klay Thompson all have a 15% trade bonus. The bonus for Curry is voided.

Team needs

  • A starting center

  • A healthy Wiseman

  • Bench depth

Extension-eligible: Wiggins, Thompson, Green (as of Aug. 3) and Poole (rookie)

Free-agent status


HOUSTON ROCKETS

Offseason focus

  • The draft: Two firsts

  • Finding closure with John Wall: Houston could seek a buyout if no trade materializes

  • What is the trade value for Christian Wood and Eric Gordon? Could Houston extend Wood with a new contract?

  • The rookie extension of Kevin Porter Jr.: Is there a body of work to trust him with a lucrative contract? Can he play alongside Jalen Green?

Draft assets

  • First: No. 1, No. 17

  • Future: The Rockets acquired unprotected firsts from the Nets in 2024 and 2026 in the James Harden deal. They also have future swap rights with the Nets in 2023, 2025 and 2027. In addition, they have a future first from Milwaukee (2023 unprotected). The Rockets owe the Thunder a first in 2024 (top-four protected) and 2026 (top-four protected). In addition, Oklahoma City has the right to swap picks in 2025 (top-10 protected; OKC has the right to swap with the Rockets or Clippers).

  • Cash: $4.6 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Rockets have $123.8 million in salary and are right at the salary cap. Because they have enough of a buffer below the luxury tax, Houston has the $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception.

John Wall has until June 29 to opt in to his $47.4 million contract.

The Rockets have until June 29 to exercise the $1.8 million contract of Jae'Sean Tate. If the option is declined, Tate would become a restricted free agent. He is also a restricted free agent in 2023 if the option is exercised.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Shot creating forward

  • Starting point guard

  • Player development of their young players

Extension eligible: Wall, Porter (rookie), Gordon (as of Sept. 3), Wood, Jae'Sean Tate and KJ Martin (as of July 23)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Rockets offseason guide


INDIANA PACERS

Offseason focus

  • The draft: a first and two seconds

  • Does Indiana create room or stay over the cap?

  • Renegotiating Myles Turner's contract

Draft assets

  • First: No. 6

  • Second: No. 31, No. 58

  • Future: The Pacers own all of their future first-round picks. They have a top-14-protected first from Cleveland in 2023.

  • Cash: $4.7 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Pacers are projected to have $24 million in cap space.

Because Indiana will likely act as a room team, it will have a $5.3 million exception available.

The $1.6 million contracts of Duane Washington and Terry Taylor are guaranteed on July 6 and July 10.

Indiana has until June 29 to exercise the team option for Oshae Brissett ($1.8 million).

The Pacers have three trade exceptions: $10.5, $7.3 and $2.3 million. The exceptions will go away if Indiana uses cap space.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Starting small and power forward

  • Backup small and power forward

Extension eligible: Turner, Goga Bitadze (rookie) and Buddy Hield (as of Oct. 1)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Pacers offseason guide


LA CLIPPERS

Offseason focus

  • Tradable contracts: four players earning between $16.7 million to $11.2 million

  • The restricted free agency of Amir Coffey

Draft assets

  • Second: No. 43

  • Future: The Clippers owe an unprotected first in 2024 and 2026 to Oklahoma City from the Paul George trade. In addition, the Thunder can swap first-rounders with LA in 2023 and 2025. The next available first the Clippers can trade is in 2028.

  • Cash: $0 (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

They currently have $171.6 million in contracts, $22.6 million above the tax threshold, and are a tax team for the third year in a row. Because they are over the tax, the Clippers have a $6.4 million tax midlevel exception. They also have a $9.7 and $8.3 million trade exception.

Nicolas Batum has until June 29 to opt in to his $3.3 million contract. The Clippers have until June 29 to exercise the $7.5 million contract of Ivica Zubac.

Reggie Jackson and Kawhi Leonard have a 15% trade bonus. The bonus for Leonard is voided.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • A healthy Leonard and George

  • Backup point guard

  • Backup center

Extension eligible: Zubac and Marcus Morris

MORE: Complete Clippers offseason guide


LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Offseason focus

  • What are the options with Russell Westbrook?

  • The LeBron James extension: Two years, $97.1 million starting Aug. 4

  • Evaluate Anthony Davis

  • Look for youth on bargain contracts in free agency (tax midlevel and veterans minimum)

Draft assets

  • Future: The Pelicans have the right to swap in 2023 and an unprotected first via Los Angeles in 2024. The Pelicans have the right to defer the 2024 first-rounder until 2025. The Lakers are allowed to trade a first-round pick in 2027 and 2029.

  • Cash: $4.4 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Lakers are right at the luxury tax with $150 million in salary. Because they are at the tax, the Lakers will have the $6.4 million tax midlevel exception. They also have a $2.7 and $1.7 million trade exception.

Kendrick Nunn has until June 22 to opt in to his $5.3 million contract. Westbrook has until June 29 to opt in to his $47.1 million contract.

Davis and James have a 15% trade bonus. The bonus for Davis is $8.7 million if traded after July 1.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Sacrifice from their veterans

  • Youth sprinkled throughout their bench

  • Depth at every position

Extension eligible: James (as of Aug. 4) and Westbrook

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Lakers offseason guide


MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Offseason focus

Draft assets

  • First: No. 22, No. 29

  • Second: 47

  • Future: The Grizzlies own all their future first-round picks and a top-four-protected first-rounder from the Warriors in 2024. The first is top-one-protected in 2025 and unprotected in 2026.

  • Cash: $4.8 million (to send) | $5.5 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Grizzlies have $97.8 million in salary but are projected to be over the cap when factoring in the free-agent holds of Jones and Anderson and two first-round picks. If Memphis stays over the cap, it will have a $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception. It also has $4.1 and $1.1 million trade exceptions.

The $2.3 million contract of John Konchar has $840K in salary protection. The balance becomes guaranteed if Konchar is on the roster past July 3.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Veteran backup point guard

  • Versatile wing-forward

  • Shot creating guard

Extension eligible: Morant (rookie), Clarke (rookie), Brooks, Konchar, De'Anthony Melton, Adams and Xavier Tillman Jr. (as of July 27)

Free-agent status

  • Kyle Anderson | Bird

  • Tyus Jones | Bird

  • Yves Pon | Restricted | Non Bird

  • Jarrett Culver | Fourth year restriction

MORE: Complete Grizzlies offseason guide


MIAMI HEAT

Offseason focus

  • Tyler Herro's rookie extension: Is he worth starter-type money ($20 million-plus)?

  • Can the Heat acquire another big-name superstar?

  • The cost to retain Victor Oladipo

Draft assets

  • First: No. 27

  • Future: Miami owes Oklahoma City a 2025 top-14-protected first. The pick is unprotected in 2026 if not conveyed in the prior year. The Heat are allowed to trade a 2022, 2023, 2028 and 2029 first.

  • Cash: $5.8 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Heat have $135.6 million in salary and are $13.3 million below the luxury tax.

Miami will have the $10.3 million midlevel and $4.0 million biannual exception. However, using more than $6.3 million of the midlevel will hard cap the Heat. They also have a $1.8 million trade exception.

The Heat have four players -- Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Omer Yurtseven and Haywood Highsmith -- who are on non-guaranteed contracts. The salaries for Vincent, Strus and Yurtseven become guaranteed June 29. There is a July 1 trigger date for $50K on the $1.75 million Highsmith contract.

PJ Tucker has until June 29 to opt-into his $7.4 million contract for 2022-23.

Jimmy Butler has a 15% trade bonus that is valued at $4.6 million.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Versatile wing defender

  • Backup power forward

  • A healthy Kyle Lowry

Extension eligible: Herro (rookie)

Free-agent status


MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Offseason focus

Draft assets

First: No. 24

Future: Milwaukee has control of its 2022 and 2028 first-round picks. Between those two, the Bucks' picks are controlled by other teams. Houston has Milwaukee's unprotected first-round pick in 2023. New Orleans has Milwaukee's unprotected first-round picks in 2025 and 2027. The Pelicans also have swap rights with the Bucks in 2024 and 2026.

Cash: $5.8 million (to send) | $1.5 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Milwaukee has $159.5 million in salary and is $10.5 million over the luxury tax. Because it is over the tax, Milwaukee will have a $6.4 million tax exception. It also has two trade exceptions of $1.6 and $1.5 million.

The Bucks have three players -- Thanasis Antetokounmpo ($1.9 million), Connaughton ($5.7 million) and Portis ($4.6 million) -- who have player options. Antetokounmpo has until June 21 to opt in, Connaughton until June 22 and Portis until June 29.

The contracts of Luca Vildoza ($1.8 million) and Rayjon Tucker ($1.8 million) are non-guaranteed and do not have an offseason guaranteed date.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Power forward to compliment Giannis

  • Depth at small forward, power forward and center (if Portis does not return)

  • Insurance at backup point guard

Extension eligible: Brook Lopez, Middleton (as of July 11) and Connaughton

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Bucks offseason guide


MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Offseason focus

  • The draft: four picks, including three in the second

  • Where can they upgrade the roster? Wolves have 11 players under contract

  • The extension options with Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell

Draft assets

First: No. 19

Second: No. 40, No. 48, No. 50

Future: The Timberwolves have all their own first-round picks

Cash: $5.8 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Timberwolves are $25.2 million below the luxury tax and will have a $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception. They also have a $4.75 million trade exception that expires June 30.

Minnesota has until June 29 to exercise the $1.9 million team options of Jaylen Nowell and Naz Reid, whose contract becomes guaranteed on July 20.

Towns has a 15% trade bonus valued at $5 million.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Starting point guard who can control the game

  • Defensive-minded depth with size

Extension-eligible: Towns, Russell, Reid, Nowell and Malik Beasley (as of July 9)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Timberwolves offseason guide


NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Offseason focus

  • The draft: Keep or look to move the no. 8 pick?

  • Zion Williamson's rookie extension: Should he get a blank check or should New Orleans include injury protection?

  • The extension options for CJ McCollum

  • Balancing the roster: 14 players under contract before free agency starts

Draft assets

  • First: No. 8

  • Second: No. 41, No. 52

  • Future: The Pelicans have the Lakers' 2024 first-round pick and have the option to defer that to 2025. The Pelicans can also swap their 2023 first-round pick for the Lakers' pick. Additionally, the Pelicans have unprotected first-round picks from the Bucks in 2025 and 2027 and swap rights with Milwaukee in 2024 and 2026.

  • Cash: $3.8 million (to send) | $2.1 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Pelicans return 14 players under contract and are $2.2 million below the tax. They will have a $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception. However, do not expect New Orleans to use more than $6.3 million of the exception because it would hard cap it and also push it into the tax. It also has $6.4 and $1.8 million trade exceptions.

Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas have a trade bonus. The Ingram bonus is voided, and Valanciunas' is $1 million.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • A healthy Zion Williamson

  • Versatile guard with size

  • Backup small forward

Extension eligible: Williamson (rookie), Larry Nance Jr., McCollum and Jaxson Hayes (rookie)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Pelicans offseason guide


NEW YORK KNICKS

Offseason focus

  • The draft: Is pick No. 11 expendable?

  • Is Julius Randle part of the future?

  • How does this roster improve? Twelve guaranteed contracts in 2022-23 and over the cap

  • What is the cost to retain unrestricted free agent Mitchell Robinson?

  • The extensions: RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish

Draft assets

  • First: No. 11

  • Second: No. 42

  • Future: New York is owed a 2023 first-round pick from Dallas. It is top-10 protected in 2023, 2024 and 2025. If not conveyed by 2025, it becomes a 2025 second-round pick.

  • Cash: $5.7 million (to send) | $3.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Knicks are right at the $122 million salary cap and will have a $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception.

Julius Randle has a 15% trade bonus that is valued at $11.5 million. If Randle is traded after July 1, the bonus is divided by three and added to the first three seasons of his contract (the player option in Year 4 is excluded).

There is no trigger date on the $5.2 million non-guaranteed contract of Taj Gibson.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Shot creator at guard

  • 3-and-D versatile wing

  • Rim protector at center

Extension-eligible: Barrett (rookie) and Reddish (rookie)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Knicks offseason guide


OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Offseason focus

  • Use it or lose it with remaining cap space: $23.6 million in room to use by June 30

  • The draft: Two first-round picks and 17 future firsts: Does OKC explore moving up to No. 1 but at the cost of a future first?

  • The extensions: Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams

Draft assets

  • First: No. 2 and No. 12

  • Second: No. 34

  • Future: The Thunder are owed a bevy of future first-round picks from other teams:

  • In 2023, they have a top-14-protected pick from the Nuggets (top-14 protected in 2024 and 2025, else it becomes two second-round picks) and have swap rights with the Clippers. They also have a top-18-protected first from Detroit (the pick is top-18 protected in 2024, top 13 in 2025, top 11 in 2026 and top nine in 2027). They have a lottery-protected first from Washington (top-12 protected in 2024, top 10 in 2025 and top eight in 2026).

  • In 2024 they have an unprotected pick from the Clippers and a top-four-protected pick from the Rockets (becomes two second-round picks if it does not convey).

  • In 2025, they have a top-six-protected pick from the 76ers. They also have swap rights with the Rockets (top-10 protected) and the Clippers (unprotected). In 2025 they have a top-14-protected pick from the Heat (unprotected in 2026).

  • In 2026 they have an unprotected pick from the Clippers and a top-four-protected pick from the Rockets (becomes a second-round pick if not conveyed).

  • Finally, in 2027, they have only their own first-round pick, unless the 2025 76ers first-round pick has not conveyed by then (it will still have top-four protection in 2027). They also have a protected first from Denver but two years after the Nuggets trade a 2025 or 2026 first.

  • Cash: $4.8 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Despite having only $74 million in guaranteed contracts, the Thunder are projected to be over the salary cap because of the Gilgeous-Alexander max contract, non-guaranteed salaries, dead cap hits and three first-round cap holds. Because Oklahoma City is projected over the cap, it will have a $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception available to use.

Oklahoma City has until June 29 to exercise the $1.9 million team option of Dort. If the option is declined, Dort will become a restricted free agent and the Thunder will have the right to match on an offer sheet. If the option is picked up, Dort will become an unrestricted free agent in 2023. Derrick Favors has until June 29 to opt in to his $10.2 million contract for 2022-23.

The Thunder have until June 29 to exercise the $3.5 million team option of Mike Muscala.

Isaiah Roby has both a team option and trigger date in his contract for next season. The Thunder have until June 25 to pick up the $1.9 million option for next season. If they exercise the option, the $1.9 million contract becomes guaranteed if he is not waived by July 3. There is no offseason trigger date for the $2 million non-guaranteed contract of Kenrich Williams. The $1.9 million contract of Theo Maledon becomes guaranteed on June 30. Vit Krejci has $781,579 in salary protection. There is no trigger date in the remaining balance ($781,759) owed.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Floor spacing big

  • Wing-forward with size

  • Frontcourt depth

Extension eligible: Dort, Williams, Darius Bazley (rookie), Ty Jerome (rookie), Isaiah Roby, Favors and Maledon (as of Aug. 28)

Free-agent status

  • Mike Muscala | Team | Bird

  • Luguentz Dort | Team | Restricted | Bird

  • Derrick Favors | Player | Early-Bird

  • Isaiah Roby | Team | Restricted | Bird

  • Melvin Frazier Jr. | Restricted | Non-Bird

MORE: Complete Thunder offseason guide


ORLANDO MAGIC

Offseason focus

  • The draft: Three picks in the top 35, including No. 1

  • The value of cap flexibility: can create up to $25M

  • Mo Bamba's restricted free agency

  • The expiring contract of Terrence Ross

Draft assets

  • First: No. 1

  • Second: No. 32, No. 35

  • Future: Orlando is owed a top-four-protected 2023 first-round pick from Chicago. The protection reduces to top three in 2024. The Magic are also owed a top-five-protected first-round pick from the Nuggets, two years after Denver conveys a first-round pick to Oklahoma City (the earliest would be 2025).

  • Cash: $5.8 million (to send) | $2.1 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

The Magic have $95 million in salary, but cap space is dependent on what happens with restricted free agent Bamba. Bamba's $22.7 million free-agent hold and their own first-round pick have them right up against the cap. If Bamba does not return, Orlando projects to have $26 million in room. If the Magic act as a cap-space team, they will have the $5.3 million room midlevel.

The $1.9 million contract of Moritz Wagner is guaranteed June 30.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Stretch 4 that can space the floor

  • Playmaking point guard

  • Wing defender

Extension eligible: Ross, Isaac (as of Sept. 30) and Markelle Fultz (as of Sept. 30)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Magic offseason guide


PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Offseason focus

  • Determine if James Harden is worth keeping and if he will take less money to stay

  • The extension of Matisse Thybulle

  • Is Tobias Harris part of the future?

  • The luxury tax: Can stay under but at the cost of bench depth (Danny Green)

Draft assets

  • First: No. 23

  • Future: The 76ers owe Brooklyn a 2023 unprotected first. Philadelphia owes Oklahoma City a top-six-protected first in 2025. If the first is not sent in 2025, the Thunder will receive either a 2026 or 2027 top-four-protected first. Two years after the first to the Thunder is conveyed, Philadelphia will send Brooklyn a top-eight-protected first in either 2027 or 2028.

  • Cash: $3.8 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Not including the $17 million of non-guaranteed contracts, Philadelphia enters the offseason with $139 million in guaranteed salary, $10 million below the luxury tax.

Green has a $10 million contract that becomes guaranteed if he is not waived by July 1. If Green is waived, Philadelphia will have the $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception available. The 76ers will have the $6.4 million tax midlevel if Green returns.

The $1.8 million contract of Isaiah Joe becomes guaranteed on the first day of the regular season. There are no trigger dates in the $1.8 million non-guaranteed contract of Paul Reed Jr.

Charles Bassey has $74,742 of his $1.6 million contract guaranteed. There is no trigger date for the balance. Philadelphia has until June 29 to exercise the $2 million team option of Shake Milton.

Harden has until June 29 to opt in to his $47.4 million contract.

Tobias Harris has a trade bonus that is the lesser of $5 million or 5% of his remaining salary. The current value is $3.8 million.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Ball handler in the backcourt

  • Forward to compliment Joel Embiid

  • Guard scoring off the bench

Extension eligible: Harden (as of Aug. 11), Thybulle (rookie), Harris, Milton and Joe

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete 76ers offseason guide


PHOENIX SUNS

Offseason focus

  • What is the cost of restricted free agent Deandre Ayton?

  • The extensions: Devin Booker, Cameron Johnson and Jae Crowder

  • Does the front office have the authority to spend outside of re-signing its own players?

Draft assets

  • Future: Phoenix can trade its 2023 first starting the night of the draft. Besides the pick owed to Oklahoma City in June, the Suns own all of their first-round picks.

  • Cash: $5.7 million (to send) | $5.7 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Expect the Suns to be above the luxury-tax threshold for the first time since 2009-10.

Phoenix has $128.8 million in salary and is expected to exceed the $149 million tax threshold if it signs restricted free agent Ayton to a lucrative contract.

Because it is projected to be above the tax threshold, Phoenix will have the $6.4 million tax midlevel exception.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Depth at center

  • Insurance policy at PG to Chris Paul

  • Backup power forward

Extension eligible: Johnson (rookie), Booker and Crowder

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Suns offseason guide


PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Offseason focus

  • Does the timeline to rebuild the roster overlap with Damian Lillard's prime?

  • The draft: three picks, including No. 7

  • The comfort level of extending Lillard: two years, $106 million

  • The direction with cap flexibility: stay over and use the $20.9 million trade exception or create up to $35 million but at the expense of a player like Jusuf Nurkic?

  • The restricted free agency of Anfernee Simons

Draft assets

  • First: 7

  • Second: 36, 57

  • Future: The Blazers owe Chicago a lottery-protected first from 2023 to 2027. Portland will receive a 2025 first from Milwaukee (if 5-30).

  • Cash: $5.8 million (to send) | $5.8 million (to receive)

Cap-space breakdown

Portland is in position to create cap space or act as an over-the-cap team.

The cap-space direction would see the Trail Blazers renouncing all of their free agents except for Simons, waiving Eric Bledsoe and renouncing their $21 million trade exception. In this scenario, Portland would have $35.5 million in cap space.

Bledsoe's $19.4 million contract has $3.9 million in protection. The balance becomes guaranteed on July 10. Josh Hart has a $12.96 million contract that becomes guaranteed June 25. If Hart is on the roster, Portland can still create up to $23 million in room. It also has a $6.6 and $3.3 million trade exception.

By staying over the cap, the Trail Blazers would still have their large trade exception and can use Bledsoe's expiring contract in a trade. They would also have available a $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Rim protector at center

  • Versatile wing with size

  • Bench depth

Extension eligible: Lillard, Nassir Little (rookie) and Bledsoe

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Trail Blazers offseason guide


SACRAMENTO KINGS

Offseason focus

  • The draft: impact player in the lottery

  • The Domantas Sabonis extension

  • The $40 million in expiring contracts: cap flexibility in 2023 or trade for a player with years left

Draft assets

  • First: No. 4

  • Second: No. 37, No. 49

  • Future: Sacramento owns all of its future first-round picks

  • Cash: $5.8 million (to receive) | $5.8 million (to send)

Cap-space breakdown

Sacramento is projected to be over the salary cap, despite $113 million in salary. It will have a $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception. The Kings also have a $4 million trade exception.

The Kings have until June 28 to exercise the $2.6 million team option of Trey Lyles.

The $1.9 million contract of Chimezie Metu is guaranteed June 29.

Richaun Holmes has a 15% trade bonus. The bonus is valued at $3.5 million.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Power forward with skills of a wing

  • Shooting off the bench

  • Veteran backup point guard

Extension eligible: Harrison Barnes, Sabonis (as of Oct. 1) and Justin Holiday

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Kings offseason guide


SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Offseason focus

Draft assets

  • First: No. 9, No. 20, No. 25

  • Second: No. 38

  • Future: The Spurs own all of their future first-round picks. They have a top-10-protected first from Chicago starting in 2025, but only if the Magic receive a first from the Bulls in 2023. If Chicago does not send the Magic a first in 2023 but in 2024, San Antonio will receive a top-10-protected first in 2026. The pick is also top-eight protected in 2027 and 2028. It has the right to swap firsts with Boston (top-one protected) in 2028.

  • Cash: $3.4 million (to receive) | $5.8 million (to send)

Cap-space breakdown

The Spurs project to have $16.5 million of room, but that number could increase to $27 million if restricted free agent Walker is not brought back. If San Antonio acts as a room team, it will have a $5.3 million midlevel exception.

The $7.4 million contract of Zach Collins becomes fully guaranteed if he is on the roster past June 24. There is currently $3.67 million guaranteed. Tre Jones has a $1.8 million non-guaranteed contract. If he is on the roster past Aug. 1, $500K will become guaranteed. The remaining balance is guaranteed if he is on the roster the first day of the regular season.

Keita Bates-Diop ($1.9 million) and Jock Landale ($1.6 million) have non-guaranteed contracts. The Bates-Diop contract becomes guaranteed on the first day of the regular season, and there is no trigger date for Landale.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Lob-catching, shot blocker at center

  • Versatile stretch power forward

  • Scorer to compliment Dejounte Murray

Extension eligible: Johnson (rookie), Dejounte Murray, Poeltl and Tre Jones

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Spurs offseason guide


TORONTO RAPTORS

Offseason focus

Draft assets

  • Second: No. 33

  • Future: The Raptors own all of their future first-round picks starting in 2023.

  • Cash: $5.8 million (to receive) | $5.8 million (to send)

Cap-space breakdown

The Raptors are not a cap-space team but have financial flexibility to build out their bench and still stay under the tax. They are a projected $35 million below the threshold. They will have a $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception. The Raptors also have a $5.3 and $3.1 million trade exception.

Svi Mykhailiuk has until June 22 to opt in to his $1.9 million contract for 2022-23.

Dalano Banton has $150K in guaranteed salary. It will increase to $300K if he is on the roster past July 4. The remaining $1.26 million is guaranteed if he is not waived by the first day of the regular season.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Versatile two-way wing

  • Bench depth at every position

  • Rim running big

Extension eligible: Siakam (as of Oct. 1) and VanVleet

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Raptors offseason guide


UTAH JAZZ

Offseason focus

Draft assets

  • Future: Utah owes Oklahoma City a 2024 top-10-protected first. The pick is top-10 protected in 2025 and top-eight protected in 2026.

  • Cash: $4.9 million (to receive) | $4.8 million (to send)

Cap-space breakdown

For a third straight season, Utah is projected to be a tax team. Not including the $7.4 million non-guaranteed contract of Juancho Hernangomez, the Jazz are right at the $149 million tax threshold. Hernangomez's contract becomes guaranteed June 30.

Because it is right at the tax, Utah will have a $6.4 million midlevel exception. It also has a $9.8 and $1.6 million trade exception.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Wing defender

  • Backup point guard

Extension eligible: Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Hernangomez

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Jazz offseason guide


WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Offseason focus

  • The free agency of Bradley Beal

  • Finding stability at point guard

  • The group of extensions: Kuzma, Porzingis and Hachimura

Draft assets

  • First: No. 10

  • Second: No. 54

  • Future: The Wizards owe Oklahoma City a top-14-protected in 2023, top-12 protected in 2024, top-10 protected in 2025 and top-eight protected in 2026. It will turn into second-round picks in 2026 and 2027 if not conveyed.

  • Cash: $4.7 million (to receive) | $5.8 million (to send)

Cap-space breakdown

Cap space is manufactured only if Beal declines his $36.4 million player option and does not return. Beal has until June 29 to opt in to his contract. If Beal returns, the Wizards will have the $10.3 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual exception available in free agency. Beal has a $5.4 million trade bonus but only if he opts in to his contract for 2022-23 and is eventually traded.

The $14 million contract of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is guaranteed if he is on the roster past June 28. There is currently $4.9 million guaranteed.

There is a July 1 trigger date on the $4.7 million contract of Ish Smith.

Projected depth chart

Team needs

  • Starting point guard

  • Wing to compliment Bradley Beal

Extension eligible: Beal, Rui Hachimura (veteran), Kristaps Porzingis, Caldwell-Pope, Vernon Carey and Kyle Kuzma (as of Sept. 30)

Free-agent status

MORE: Complete Wizards offseason guide